Why do we have District-based teams?

In light of the continuing changes being implemented and pursued as part of: · Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) · Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS) a move to a new District-based service was identified as a priority for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

Our previous system had the following station management structure in place:
· each whole-time duty station had a single manager
· seven retained-duty stations were covered by three managers


The system needed to evolve to ensure the Service was best-placed to work in partnership with other authorities and groups sharing an interest in community safety, in particular, with Local Authority Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).

A new District-based service enables us to meet the expectations of working with Local Authority Community Safety Partnerships as part of the Government’s wider social agenda.

SETTING THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

The move to a District-based service and the ‘best fit’ for each of the District’s boundaries has been given a great deal of thought and consideration.

As far as possible, District station boundaries now match Local Authority areas, taking into account:
· numbers of domestic premises within Districts (a link to community fire safety activity)
· numbers of non-domestic premises (a link to legislative fire safety activity)
· numbers of station personnel (a link to station management activity)
· partnerships activity (a link to community safety activity)
· lines of communication
· travel considerations
· station accommodation

THE NEW DISTRICT-BASED STRUCTURE

Subsequently, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has created six new District teams to provide you with ‘on your doorstep’ community safety support and advice.

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· Derwentside District
· Durham and Chester-le-Street District
· Easington District
· Wear and Tees District
· Darlington District
· Sedgefield District

Each team comprises:
· District Station Manager
· Assistant District Station Manager
· District Legislative Fire Safety Officer
· District Community Safety Officer
· Community Support Officer (to be appointed)




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